Goodrich-The school district reported a one student enrollment increase over 2012 following the Oct. 2 statewide count day.
According to school officials, the 2012 audited count was 2,106.4 students. This year the unaudited count number is 2107.16.
Fall count day determines 90 percent of per-pupil funding for 2013-14 academic year. A winter count day in February will comprise 10 percent. The per-pupil average will be calculated after count day data is audited. The district receives about $6,800 per student and can keep counting students past the October count day. A change in the State School Aid Act will financially assist districts that attract students during the year and cost districts with a decline in enrollment.
‘We are up a bit from last year,? said Scott Bogner, district superintendent. ‘We projected being down 40 students, so from a budget aspect we are holding steady. The (school) board opened up schools of choice which would account for the increase from the previous year.?
The board voted earlier this year 5-2 to undo a 2012 decision that closed schools of choice from 7-12 grades and had limited enrollment to kindergarten through sixth grades due to large class sizes in the high school. Niki Wiederman, secretary, and Ryan Starski, trustee, voted no. The schools of choice students comprised about 13 percent of the district’s enrollment, boosting the district’s coffers by about $2 million each year.
While the district stayed even this fall neighboring districts that could compete for students declined. Grand Blanc School District dropped by 198 students, Davison School District slid by 58 and Brandon School District in Oakland County fell by 187 students.